1) Turn a bottle of Coke Light into a… light!

I recently came across some nice examples of jewellery made by melting recycled plastic in the oven – they really sparked my interest in using plastic as part of one of my craft projects. After a bit of trial and error I managed to create the lamp shown above from plastic party bowls, an empty bottle of Coke Light and a biscuit tin.

Although I was happy with the final result, I must confess, the plastic didn’t really behave like I was expecting. Instead of shrivelling and shrinking, the plastic bowls just went all limp and floppy – I think the plastic was too thick. In fact, I was so disappointed with the effect I nearly packed it in. However, after experimenting with the oven temperature I managed to get a bit of gentle twisting and warping, which I used to create a more subtle and elegant effect.

The biscuit tin was used to create the cover to the shade, and galvanised wire to create the light fitting support. Anyway, you’ll find fairly detailed instructions below – I had to gloss across some of the steps, but you should get the idea.

Please note: Because the light shade is made of plastic I’d advise using a low energy bulb – one that doesn’t get too hot. Also, be careful with the wiring – the stand is made of metal so everything needs to be well insulated (not one for the kids)!

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
204 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

You’ll find another very cool recycled light project, made from a paper takeaway cup, in my new book.

It’s full of detailed (but fun) instructions, and “pro-dad” tips – to get a taste, watch the video below:

Don’t forget to turn the lights off!

1) An old bent fork, throw it away…

2) …but wait, it’s an egg cup holder.

3) It makes your eggs even sunnier!

So here’s my latest upcycling craft project, a simple, yet attractive egg cup made from a recycled fork. I got the idea after coming across a coat hanger made from a bent fork – I immediately wondered if something more intricate (but still useful) could be made from bending a fork, this was the result.

In many regards it’s a very simple thing to make, however, I really struggled with the fork I had chosen – it was like trying to bend an iron bar! I’d suggest choosing a fork that is not too thick.

I have provided a hand-drawn tutorial below, use it as a guide, if you have a well stocked workshop you may well find a better way to bend the fork. The most important thing is the shape of the base, you don’t want an egg holder prone to tipping over – if you follow the plan I have provided you should be all right.

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Please note: The ideal fork will have long tines (able to cradle an egg) and a handle long enough to form a stable base.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
475 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

If you’d like to make an accompanying crocodile style toast rack from a paper takeaway cup, check out the “Snappy toast rack” project in my new book.

It’s full of detailed (but fun) instructions, and “pro-dad” tips – find out more in this post, or watch the video below:

Enjoy breakfast!